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Biomedical subjects

C Lupo

Publications and source records attributed to C Lupo.

33 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

Time-course of opioid and pituitary-adrenal hormone modifications during the immobility reaction in rabbits.

A series of experiments in male rabbits examined the influence of tonic immobility (animal hypnosis) on the opioid and pituitary-adrenal hormones. The aims of the experiments were to follow the temporal modifications in hormone parameters and to discriminate the effects of immobility from those of the manipulative procedure to induce the reaction. Results show that immobility elicits increases in plasma ACTH and beta-EP, but no modifications in pituitary beta-EP. The effects of induction procedure were dissociable from those of immobility, the most marked effect being a prolonged, sustained increase of corticosterone plasma levels. Results support the hypothesis of the opioid involvement in the physiological control of immobility reaction and indicate different mechanisms underlying the immobility response and the procedure of induction.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1990

[Resection of the thoracic wall in oncology].

Based on our experience with 12 patients who underwent wide anterior chest wall resection in our institute, we attempt to define the indication of the different techniques for reconstruction by musculo-cutaneous flaps according to the extent of resection and location in the chest wall. The pectoralis major flaps are simple and important in the reconstruction of sternal defects; especially when dense retrosternal fibrosis has already developed after radiotherapy. The latissimus dorsi flaps are reliable and thick and suitable for coverage of major tissue loss. A new technique is also described for reconstruction of major anterolateral chest wall defects as well as sternal defects by a latissimus dorsi osteo-muscular flap. The external oblique musculo-cutaneous flaps are used to cover defects in the lateral chest wall below the 5th rib. Pedicled omental flaps are complementary flaps and can be used when muscle flaps are insufficient to replace significant tissue loss. Respiratory problems arising from paradoxical chest wall movement are temporary and may be encountered in the immediate post-operative period. Because of the development of fibrosis and of a better adaptation of the patient, this condition is well tolerated during the month following operation.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Hormonal changes after supine posture, immersion, and swimming.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of the supine posture, immersion, and swimming on hormones involved in the regulation of hydrosaline equilibrium. Plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), arginine vasopressin (AVP), plasma renin activity (PRA), and aldosterone (ALDO) were measured by radioimmunoassay in eight untrained young subjects (five males and three females). Blood samples were collected on different days: control morning samples in a relaxed standing posture before each test; after 20 min in a supine position; after 20 min of horizontal immersion in water at 28 degrees C; after 20 min of backstroke swimming (speed about 1 m/s). No changes occurred in AVP levels after each test. ALDO and PRA increased significantly only after swimming and were directly correlated. ANP increased significantly after immersion, but no further increase was observed after swimming. The hematocrit, which increased after swimming, was inversely correlated with ANP levels in the post-exercise samples. These data show that while ALDO and PRA increase only in response to swimming, even at moderate intensity, ANP probably requires more prolonged and intense exercise to reach a significantly higher level than in immersion.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Testosterone metabolism in the olfactory epithelium of intact and castrated male rats.

To study the ability of the olfactory epithelium (OE) to transform testosterone (T) into its active metabolites estradiol (E2) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and the influence of castration on this ability, 24 adult male rats were either castrated, and subsequently treated with oil or T, or sham operated. In all groups the in vitro conversion of T by the OE into E2 and DHT is relevant, demonstrating for the first time the presence of aromatase and of 5 alpha-reductase in this tissue. In particular conversion of T into E2 is lowered by castration and restored by T replacement, suggesting that aromatization in this tissue is androgen dependent. The ability of circulating T to influence morphological and physiological features of the OE suggests the hypothesis that androgens may vary the functioning of the olfactory apparatus and modulate the efficiency by which olfactory information is conveyed to the brain.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Interaction of tonic immobility and dexamethasone in the modulation of hippocampal 5-HT activity in rabbits.

The immobility reaction (animal hypnosis) in the rabbit is related to basal levels of corticosterone and to modifications in 5-HT activity in the brain. In order to investigate the relationship between adrenocortical function, brain 5-HT activity and immobility response in rabbits, the susceptibility to the reaction and 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels in the hippocampus were studied in animals whose pituitary-adrenal function was altered by chronic DEX treatment. It was still possible to induce immobility in animals treated with DEX. The reduction in duration observed under the present testing schedule (two sessions of immobility separated by a one week interval) did not occur in the treated animals. There was a reduction in 5-HT turnover as a consequence of the immobility response and this confirms previous findings in other brain areas of the same species. In animals pretreated with DEX, so as to drastically reduce ACTH and corticosterone, not only was a reduction in 5-HT turnover prevented, but there was also an increase in 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels when immobility was induced. These results are discussed in terms of the influence of the pituitary-adrenal system in the neuroendocrine and behavioural aspects of the immobility reaction.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1986

Hormonal and metabolic effects following a football match.

Hormonal and metabolic parameters were studied for two teams after a football match. Blood samples were collected before the start, at half-time, at the end, and 45 and 90 min after the end of the game. In the first team, ACTH, cortisol, and lactate levels increased significantly during the whole match to resume basal levels in the fourth sample (45 min after the end of play). HGH, prolactin, and blood glucose were found to be increased only at half-time. The second team had an intense and long warm-up period before the match and the lactate concentrations were already elevated in the first sample. All the other parameters, except ACTH and glucose, displayed a pattern similar to that of the first team. The differences in the time courses of the hormonal and metabolic values are discussed.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1985

Androgen levels following a football match.

In 18 trained football players, blood samples were collected before a football match, at half-time, at the end, and 45 and 90 min after the end of the match. The testosterone (T) level showed a decrease in the rest period. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) increased during the match, but returned to initial levels in the last samples. The T/DHT ratio decreased, reached the minimal value at the end of the exercise, and returned to basal levels in the rest period. Cortisol and androstenedione levels increased during the match, but returned to control levels 45 and 90 min after the end of the match, respectively. It is suggested that during this type of exercise anabolic and catabolic hormones may be simultaneously activated.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Changes in brain serotonin and 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid levels in the rabbit following tonic immobility.

The effect of tonic immobility on serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and on 5- hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels in different brain areas has been investigated, following two different schedules of treatment. The massed treatment consisted of a series of consecutive trials up to 15 min, the spaced treatment in 4 series of trials within 24 hours. Massed treatment produced a decrease in 5-HT in the mesencephalon and of 5-HIAA in the pons-medullary area, but similar changes were also elicited in animals treated with the procedure of induction not followed by immobility. The spaced treatment, which resulted in a potentiation of the immobility duration, i.e., sensitization, produced a reduction of 5-HT levels in the mesencephalon and of 5-HT turnover in the striatum. The procedure of the induction per se acts preferentially on 5-HIAA by increasing its levels. In the striatum, which appears selectively responsive to the spaced treatment of immobility, a negative correlation has been found between serotonin levels and immobility duration. Results suggest that elicitation of tonic immobility is associated with reduced levels of 5-HT in the brain.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

The effect of medial preoptic-anterior hypothalamic lesions on testosterone plasma levels and testosterone conversion in the hypothalamus of male rats.

Male Wistar rats were submitted to bilateral high frequency lesions in the medial preoptic-anterior hypothalamic area or to sham procedure. The behavioral effect of the lesions was observed and plasma testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) were measured by radioimmunoassay. In vitro metabolism of T was studied in the hypothalamus. Lesions produced a permanent deficit in male sexual behavior, an increase of plasma T and E2, and of hypothalamic T aromatization, and a decrease of T conversion to 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Effect of castration on hypothalamic testosterone metabolism in the male rat.

In vitro studies were performed of hypothalamic testosterone (T) metabolism 30 days after castration of adult male rats. No changes were seen in T conversion into dihydrotesterone and estrogens in the castrated rats. Plasma T levels were decreased while plasma estradiol concentrations did not differ from those of intact controls. It was suggested that the hypothalamic T metabolism probably is not androgen dependent.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Odour of male and female rats changes hypothalamic aromatase and 5 alpha-reductase activity and plasma sex steroid levels in unisexually reared male rats.

Male rats between 25--65 days of age were reared under four different social conditions: (1) In cohabitation with only males; (2) as in (1), but exposed to bedding from a cage containing other males; (3) as in (1), but exposed to bedding of females; (4) in cohabitation with both males and females. At 65 days of age the animals were killed and analyzed for plasma levels of testosterone and estradiol and in vitro studies were undertaken of hypothalamic testosterone metabolism. Males reared in absence of females showed lowered testosterone and estradiol plasma concentrations and increased hypothalamic aromatase and 5 alpha-reductase activity compared to heterosexually reared males. The effects of cohabitation with males only were counteracted by exposure to bedding of other males or of females suggesting an importance of odoriferous stimuli associated with sexually mature males and females during the sexual maturation of the male rat.

3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Immune and endocrine aspects of social and territorial behavior in male rabbits.

Although there have been some studies of the relation between behavior and mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation and immunoglobulin synthesis, few data are available about the effect of behavior on specific lymphokine production. In this study, we describe the effect of social and territorial behaviors on interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production by concanavalin A-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in pairs of socially naive male rabbits living in a seminatural open-air environment. We also assayed PBMC glucocorticoid receptors (GcRs) and plasma corticosterone (C). Three groups of behaviors were identified: agonistic (Mount and Follow), affiliative (Groom) and territorial (Mark and Dig). Mount was correlated with Follow, while Mark was correlated with Dig. Groom was correlated with all the other behaviors. Groom, Mark, Mount and Follow were all positively correlated with PBMC GcRs. Groom and PBMC GcRs were each negatively correlated with plasma C. The two rabbits in each pair could be distinguished in terms of territorial behavior, since one animal always had a higher score. The animals with the higher level of territorial behavior within the pairs exhibited a significant increase in IFN-gamma production at the end of the experimental period. They also showed a positive correlation between the percentage variations of IFN-gamma production and PBMC GcRs. It is suggested that social factors, especially territorial behavior, affect adrenocortical activity and IFN-gamma production.

Agonistic Behavior↗